National News

Meth ingredient continually stolen from Texas plant

(NEWSER) – First we learned the exploded Texas fertilizer plant was lacking in basic fire safety protection, then that itdidn't report several hundred tons of ammonium nitrate to Homeland Security. This week's revelation: West Fertilizer Co. was a repeat target of thieves stealing anhydrous ammonia and tampering with tank valves, which led to ammonia leaks, Reuters reports. Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used to cook methamphetamine. At least 11 burglaries and five ammonia leaks were reported to police over the past 12 years. In 2002, a plant manager told cops that burglars were making off with four to five gallons of anhydrous ammonia every three days.